Welcome to the ADBA website

ADBA is the trade association for the anaerobic digestion (AD) industry in the UK and companies and organisations working on novel technologies and processes that compliment the anaerobic digestion process and products. With our members we promote the economic and environmental benefits of AD in the UK.

Anaerobic digestion is the simple, natural breakdown of organic matter into biogas (carbon dioxide and methane) and organic fertiliser called digestate. It is a similar process to that which takes place in the stomach of a cow.

Why join ADBA?

Supply Chain – ADBA is where our industry meets to share ideas, learn best practice – and do business. Being a member of ADBA means you are part of the entire AD community, to build relationships and business partnerships.

Operators – At ADBA we know that our industry is new – and ever-changing. ADBA members can rest assured that they have access to the latest technical information, interpretation of regulations and personal advice from our expert team. Being a member means you can access the knowledge and experience of the whole market.

Events

We run a range of events throughout the year to increase awareness of the anaerobic digestion industry and bring the industry together. From our trade show in July, which brings together over 3,500 visitors and more than 200 exhibitors, to our intimate working groups we offer great events all year round.

Case study: Clarke Energy - Stoke Bardolph

Stoke Bardolph, agricultural anaerobic digester, Severn Trent Water

Severn Trent Water’s latest project moves away from their traditional sewage treatment works to create the UK’s largest energy from biogas plant run wholly on energy crops.

Clarke Energy supplied the two GE Jenbacher 1 MW gas engines that work at the heart of the installation. The new plant based at Stoke Bardolph in Nottinghamshire is situated alongside the 1,750 acres of Severn Trent owned land that grows the feed stock of maize and wheat.

The digester comprises four pre-fermentation units from which material is fed into two secondary fermentation units and then finally to a single container where the last of the methane is extracted to feed the GE Jenbacher gas engines. Each day will see about 100 tonnes of maize silage being loaded into large hoppers which then slowly deliver the crop to four primary digesters. Inside, agitation is provided by a rotor having hot water pumped through its main shaft to maintain the temperature of the mix at the required 42 oC.

About 30% of the gas is collected from the primary digester, with the bulk being collected after the mix has passed into the two secondary fermenters. It takes up to 90 days for material to pass through the digestion process from start to finish.

Using the heat from the engines to ensure correct temperatures in the digestion process further enhances the already high efficiency of the engines. High reliability, durability and the long service intervals of the GE Jenbacher engines provide Severn Trent with the security of mind to generate a stable income for years to come.